Santa is a Tractor Boy ahead of Ipswich Town vs Norwich City

Forget red and white, for old Saint Nick will be cheering on the Blues in the East Anglian derby this weekend.

Santa, or 'Farmer Christmas' from Suffolk Rural College, revealed the bombshell news during his annual tour of primary schools this week.

Farmer Christmas and students from Witnesham backing the blues this week (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

For the past few years agricultural lecturer John Attridge has fired up his tractor and set off to see pupils at Witnesham and Otley primary schools to hand out gifts and spread Christmas cheer.

This year, he dug out his retro Ipswich shirt with FISONS on the front to rally the troops ahead of the long-awaited clash with Norwich City at Saturday lunchtime.

Witnesham youngsters enjoy meeting Farmer Christmas and his naughty elf helper (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

Mr Attridge, who has continued the tradition that dates back around a decade, was joined by naughty elf helper Penny Rudland, who assisted him as they met about 150 children across the two schools.

He said: "We always look forward to visiting the schools so it was great to finally say hello to everyone.

Farmer Christmas and Penny Rudland with Maggie from Witnesham in her festive hat (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

"These youngsters are potentially the students of tomorrow, and in terms of farming, we are always looking for new generations coming through, so it’s great to be able to make a connection like this.

"Working with the community like this is a massive part of what we do at Suffolk Rural and it’s always a pleasure to be involved in this event."

Otley students meet Farmer Christmas (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

In terms of being an Ipswich Town fan, he added: “It’s been over 14 years since Ipswich beat Norwich so it’s been a frustrating time for the team.

"I really hope and believe that this is our year. Come on you Blues!"

Executive headteacher of Otley and Witnesham Hannah Rigby said: "The children always look forward to seeing Farmer Christmas and his elf helper.

"We are very grateful to the College for their support and we hope to visit Suffolk Rural in the spring where we have been invited to have a look around the farm."

Naughty elf Penny Rudland trying to steal the Christmas presents as Farmer Christmas looks on (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

Farmer Christmas reveals himself to be an Ipswich Town fan with Penny Rudland (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

Farmer Christmas with Penny Rudland at Witnesham Primary School (Image: Suffolk Rural College)